Bicycle Illinois Route 66 Ride
Bicycle Illinois is excited to introduce the Route 66 Ride, a new week-long cycling tour traveling from the St. Louis area to Chicagoland along the legendary Old Route 66. This tour is still in development, and registration is not yet open, but riders are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as plans continue to progress.
Experience the Mother Road on two wheels as you pedal through historic Route 66 towns, open farmland, and classic roadside Americana. Vintage gas stations, diners, museums, and glowing neon signs evoke the nostalgia of America’s golden age of travel. With gentle terrain and lightly traveled roads, this route offers a relaxed yet rewarding cycling adventure filled with history, local hospitality, and timeless charm. This fully supported, all-hotel tour is a perfect way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and America’s 250th birthday.
The cycling route will follow original alignments of Route 66 whenever safe and enjoyable, with detours around high-traffic areas such as I-55 and Memorial Parkway in Springfield. Bicycle Illinois is working with local Route 66 organizations to identify historic and quirky attractions along the way, many of which will serve as ride stops.
The tour is tentatively scheduled for September 19–27, 2026, and will include optional transportation days, six or seven riding days, and a layover day in Springfield to explore Abraham Lincoln historic sites. Total mileage is approximately 350 miles, averaging about 60 miles per day, with all details subject to change.
Registration will include hotel lodging, SAG support, baggage transport, Ride with GPS navigation, access to mechanical support, and a complimentary pair of Bicycle Illinois cycling socks. Optional transportation, long-term parking, and merchandise will be available. Riders are responsible for lunches and dinners. Future tours may include a Chicago extension or camping options.
